Police service swears in two new recruits, seeks additional applicants

The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) swore in their two newest officers, Eric Roncin and Riley Holzapfel, on July 21 in a ceremony held in Peacock Collegiate’s Centennial Auditorium.

Deputy Chief of Police Rick Johns was the ranking officer for the occasion and Clive Tolley, Mayor of Moose Jaw, was also present.

Moose Jaw Provincial Court Judge Brian Hendrickson formally swore the recruits in. Roncin and Holzapfel swore to uphold a Code of Ethics, an Oath of Office, and an Oath of Secrecy.

“I congratulate the city’s two newest police officers,” Hendrickson said. “This is a major personal and professional accomplishment. I want to acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices of the parents, partners, friends, and family of our newest constables. …

“Constables, three words figure prominently on the Moose Jaw City Police Force crest that you now wear — integrity, vision, and community. I know you will maintain the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. Please be honest, honourable, professional, and decent in the very important job that you do.”

Mayor Tolley welcomed the recruits to the city and reminded them of the role the MJPS plays in realizing the city’s vision.

“With you comes families, and I’m reminded that family is the most important thing to any of us,” Tolley said. “We value you as new members of the force. Moose Jaw City Council and the city employees, we’re trying to grow the city — make it a better place to live, work, and raise a family. And we’re very proud of the Moose Jaw Police Service.”

The proud families of the recruits came to watch their swearing-in. Holzapfel and Roncin will now head to the Saskatchewan Police College in Regina for 20 weeks of training. After training, they will begin policing duties under the supervision of a training officer. The full training process generally takes about a year.

Holzapfel recently retired from a 12-year career playing professional ice hockey, including some time with the Warriors.

“I used to play for the Moose Jaw Warriors back in 2004 to 2008, so it’s nice to come back here,” Holzapfel said following the ceremony. “I feel very fortunate that I was able to play a professional sport for my first career … and I’m looking forward to this one as well.”

Holzapfel is married to Jenna. They have two children: Weston is six and Livia is four.

Roncin has been in the application process for the MJPS for three years and described his feelings as surreal.

“It’s such a tough process that sometimes it takes a long time,” he commented. “When you finally are on the day of, it’s kind of a surreal moment.”

Roncin has an undergraduate degree in psychology and said the experience inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement.

“I started taking a little bit of counseling psychology and I saw an opportunity to use that on the street. On the front line, the very first interactions that some people have are with the police, and I thought that would be a great way to marry the two industries, I guess you could say.”

The two are looking forward to their training, although Roncin ruefully said he wasn’t looking forward to experiencing pepper spray and possibly tazing.

Originally from a small town in Manitoba, Roncin is married to Ashley and they have two young daughters named Vierce and Amaia. They live in Esterhazy, but plan to move to Moose Jaw soon.

“Always a very exciting day to welcome two highly qualified people to the Moose Jaw Police Service,” Johns said. “We are understaffed at the moment, and we’re in the middle of hiring. Of course, coming out of a pandemic, we weren’t able to secure a lot of positions in the police college.

“Now that that’s starting to open back up for us, we’re hoping to hire. We’re currently accepting applications for employment both in our civilian areas and (for police officers).”

Applications to the MJPS can be made on their website at mjpolice.ca/recruitment.